For Melinda Rulli, a Registered Nurse with Seniors Community Care team, the message is simple: women spend so much time caring for others that they often neglect their own health.

With more than 30 years of nursing experience, Melinda is encouraging women of all ages to listen to their bodies, seek support when they need it and take action before health concerns become bigger problems.

At St John Ambulance Victoria & Seniors Community Care, empowering people to live healthier, safer and more independent lives is at the heart of what we do. Women's Health Week provides an opportunity to encourage women of all ages to prioritise their wellbeing and seek support when they need it, ensuring they can continue doing the things they love.

This year's Women's Health Week theme, "Do It Anyway", resonates strongly with Melinda.

"Women have always been told there are limits to what we can do," she says. "But we've proven time and time again that we can succeed, lead families, build careers and contribute in every area of society. We do it anyway because we know we can."

The Invisible Load Women Carry

Through Seniors Community Care program, nurses work closely with older Australians in their homes, helping them maintain their health, independence and quality of life. For many clients, these conversations extend beyond medical care and focus on understanding their personal goals, concerns and what matters most to them.

Women often juggle multiple responsibilities, balancing careers, family commitments, caring duties and household management. While many wear these roles with pride, the constant demands can come at a cost.

"Quite often, we put ourselves last," Melinda explains. "We're looking after children, working, supporting partners, caring for ageing parents, managing households and making sure everyone else is okay."

As a result, personal health concerns frequently get pushed to the bottom of the to-do list.

"Women are often time poor, and there's an expectation that they'll keep going even when they're not feeling their best," she says.

Being Heard Matters

Melinda believes one of the most important aspects of nursing is listening.

"Every person's experience is different," she says.

This person-centred approach aligns closely with St John & Seniors Community Care’s commitment to delivering compassionate care that respects the individual needs, preferences and choices of every client.

One issue Melinda feels strongly about is ensuring women feel listened to when discussing their health.

From perimenopause and menopause to heart health, mental wellbeing and ageing-related concerns, women can sometimes feel their symptoms are dismissed or not fully explored.

"We need to encourage women to have a voice and advocate for themselves," she says. "If something doesn't feel right, keep asking questions. You know your body better than anyone."

Melinda encourages women to have open conversations with their GP, seek second opinions when necessary and look for reputable women's health services if they feel their concerns are not being addressed.

"Every woman is different. What works for one person may not work for another, and healthcare should reflect that."

Preventative Healthcare Starts Early

When discussing preventative care, Melinda stresses the importance of being proactive rather than waiting until problems arise.

She encourages women to:

• Keep up with recommended health screenings.

• Discuss family medical history with their GP.

• Monitor changes in their bodies.

• Consider assessments for bone health, heart health and other age-related conditions.

• Address symptoms early rather than waiting for them to worsen.

"Technology and treatment options continue to improve, and early intervention can make a huge difference," she says.

For women experiencing fatigue, mood changes or other symptoms, she also encourages investigating possible underlying causes such as nutritional deficiencies, iron levels or vitamin deficiencies as part of a broader discussion with healthcare professionals.

The Risk of Delaying Care

At Seniors, nurses see firsthand the difference that early intervention, regular check-ups and ongoing support can make. Whether it's identifying a health concern early, helping someone manage a chronic condition or encouraging healthy lifestyle changes, taking action sooner can lead to better outcomes and greater independence later in life.

While postponing medical appointments can seem harmless, Melinda says delays can sometimes allow small issues to become larger health concerns.

Her advice is to stop trying to carry everything alone.

"Ask for help. Delegate where you can. Whether it's getting someone else to pick up the children, helping with errands or sharing responsibilities at home, taking some pressure off yourself creates space to prioritise your health."

Looking after yourself, she says, isn't selfish.

"How can you effectively care for everyone else if you're not caring for yourself first?"

Small Changes Can Have a Big Impact

Maintaining good health doesn't always require major lifestyle changes.

Melinda encourages women to start with simple, achievable steps:

• Take regular walks.

• Step away from screens throughout the day.

• Spend time outdoors.

• Connect with friends.

• Build movement into daily routines.

• Prioritise quality sleep and nutrition.

"Even taking ten minutes to go outside, breathe fresh air and clear your mind can make a difference," she says.

For Melinda, walking with friends provides both exercise and an opportunity to connect, while solo walks offer valuable moments of reflection and relaxation.

"Ageing is a privilege," she says. "Not everybody gets the opportunity to grow older. Every birthday is something to celebrate."

A Women's Health Week Message

Women's Health Week is a reminder that caring for yourself is not a luxury, it's an essential part of living well.

Through education, prevention and compassionate community-based care, St John Ambulance Victoria & Seniors Community Care are committed to supporting women at every stage of life, helping them remain healthy, confident and connected to the people and activities they value most.

As Melinda's advice reminds us:

"Eat healthy, walk, love deeply, love life and smile."

And perhaps most importantly, don't wait to put your own health first.